Bonnie Anne Blair

Bonnie Anne Blair, age 69, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home in Gaylord. Born on August 30, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of Ronald Drost and Joyce (Grochocki) Elaine.

Bonnie grew up in Union Lake and graduated from Walled Lake Central High School. She went on to receive an Associate's degree in Graphic Design from Oakland Community College.

When Bonnie was a young girl, she was severely burned in an accident. As a result, she required several surgeries throughout her childhood. Despite her personal struggles, she is remembered for her compassion and caring heart for others in their time of need. Bonnie didn't wait to be wealthy to be generous to all.

Bonnie was very artistic, and as a child she attended summer art classes at the Cranbrook Acadamy. She grew to work as a technical illustrator creating instruction and assembly manuals for toy manufacturers. Her creative talents shone through many mediums such as painting, sketching, torn paper art, pottery, and photography. For years, Bonnie successfully sold her artwork at summer Art Festivals throughout Michigan.

As a young adult Bonnie adored skiing in many forms - especially downhill, ballet, trick and water. Some of her favorite memories were her ski trips Up North with her brother Kevin. With time, water skiing transitioned into a deep love of the lake. She could often be found floating around with her toes in the water! She also had a love of little dogs, especially Chihuahuas.

In her later years, Bonnie embraced technology and social media. She moderated online groups, played games such as Word Tornado, and formed friendships around the world.

Bonnie cherished her family and friends and the joys of celebrating special times together. Nothing beat a day of playing euchre and enjoying the lake and Northern Michigan's natural beauty with her family.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Nicholas Nida; brother, Kevin Drost; sisters, Janet (David) Hagedorn, Johnna Beachboard; brother-in-law Greg Urbiel; nieces, Claire (John) Hunter, Rose (Noah) Zogas, Anne Urbiel, Kristine (Jeffrey) Maser, Pauline (Hans) Marquard, Jayne Hagedorn, Sophie (Trevor) Snow; nephew, Eric (Heather) Hagedorn; many great nieces and nephews, and cherished friend Shirley Marciniak.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Christoper Drost, and sister, Cindy (Drost) Urbiel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, where visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM.